Adult Study

“Blessed is the one who meditates on his law day and night.”

DSQ FOR ADULTS ON SUNDAY MORNINGS

A STUDY OF NEHEMIAH: A life of prayer

We will be using as our guide, Bishop Daniel Beaudoin’s study of Nehemiah. Here’s what Bishop Daniel writes about Nehemiah and this Year of Prayer. “A long time ago, Nehemiah was called by God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. In the Old Testament, Book of Nehemiah, we read that before Nehemiah lays even one stone; Nehemiah prays. He prays for strength. He prays for protection. He prays for forgiveness. Nehemiah takes everything to the Lord in prayer. One of my “go to” Bible verses related to prayer is Philippians 4:6, and this will serve as our Year of Prayer memory verse. “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). This powerful Bible verse captures God’s desire for us to pray.

What follows is a 6-session Bible study on the Book of Nehemiah. I want to encourage you to open your Bible, gather with a group of friends, get outside the 4 walls of the congregation, and learn what God desires to teach you. But, be careful. Be very, very careful, because God’s Word has the power to transform people and communities from who we are into the people and communities that God longs for us to be. During the time of Nehemiah, the city of Jerusalem experienced a similar transformation. At the dedication of the rebuilt city wall, we read, “They offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. The joy of Jerusalem was heard far away” (Nehemiah 12:43). May we also experience the great joy of God, the gracious love of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit to renew and transform our lives and communities. Prayer and God’s Word has that power.”

*This final session may be delayed a week due to Youth Ministry Winter Retreat

CIRCLE

MEETS

PHONE

CONTACT

Mary Martha Circle

1st Thursday at 1:30 p.m

419-734-4343

~ Betty Christiansen

Naomi Circle

3rd Monday at 9:00 a.m.

419-635-2506

~ Doris Libben

Priscilla Circle

3rd Wednesday at 9:30 a.m.

419-732-2900

~ Marcia Bloom

Rachel Circle

2nd Monday at 6:30 p.m.

419-734-2448

~ Pat Gip

Confirmation

“This is most certainly true.”

CONFIRMATION MINISTRY

Confirmation Ministry takes place on the SECOND and FOURTH Sundays of each month. Our time together begins at 5:00 pm.

During the month of February, we will be meeting on …

February 11 … Centurion … Goans Family serving Meal

February 25 … 12 Disciples … Garza Family serving Meal

The evening concludes at 7:30 pm.

WINTER RETREAT INFORMATION

For several years, it has been our practice here at St. John to schedule a joint Youth Ministry and Confirmation and Winter Retreat at Camp Mowana. The dates that are under consideration are March 9-11.

The Winter Retreat WILL NOT BE SCHEDULED UNTIL we have a firm commitment of those who will be a part of the event.

The ABSOLUTE deadline for making a commitment to be a part of the retreat is FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2!

PLEASE CONTACT PASTOR JIM WITH YOUR ANSWER, WHETHER IT YES OR NO by that date! My e-mail is: prjimlehman1980@gmail.com OR YOU CAN TEXT ME AT 419.341.4235.

Here are some of the details that you need to know at this time:

v We are asking that each youth would contribute $50 towards the cost of the retreat. (If this is a problem, please see me!) Checks can be made out to St. John Lutheran Church. So, that we may make the best use of funds, we do need a firm commitment.

v We will meet at the church on Friday, March 9 at 5:00 pm to head to Camp Mowana, (This is one of the camps of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio), which is near Mansfield, and is about a 1.5hr drive. Our tradition is to stop for a “fast food” supper on the way, so please bring some cash.

v We will need some parents, depending upon the number of youth who will be attending, to help transport folks to and from camp.

v We will also need 1-2 female adult-parent types to accompany us on the retreat. If you have an interest in being that person, see Pastor Jim IMMEDIATELY! Julie Frattaroli will be a co-leader of this retreat.

v The retreat will end on Sunday at 11:00 am, as we head back to PC, where your parents will celebrate (?) your arrival back home, meeting us at the church at approximately 12:45 pm.

Our week of Camp at LMC for 2018 is scheduled for June 10-15!

This is the one week of the summer where there is programming for all ages … including Confirmation Camp … from the youngest through high school. Watch for a letter sometime in late February/March to let you know about the particulars for registration. For now … block these dates off on your calendars … it’s a great way to “get rid” of your kids for a week … where they can grow in faith and experience Christian community.

Disciples-Ship Quest

A New Name

Faith is a journey.

Folks of all ages are on a quest that begins in the waters of Baptism, and continues throughout life as we all seek to grow in faith and in our practice of the things that disciples do. Many of which can be practiced during this hour dedicated to Christian nurture on Sunday mornings (for example Reading the Bible, Praying, Giving and Encouraging one another.)

BLESSING OF BACKPACKS , STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ... IS AUGUST 15 AND 16!

Our Kick-Off Sunday for DSQ

is September 6 at 10:15 am.

CALL THE CHURCH TO GET A DSQ REGISTRATION FORM FOR YOUR CHILDREN!

Come join us

On Sunday mornings at 10:15 am, there’s room for all on the Disciple-Ship Quest!

We have a great crew of teachers who faithfully share God’s Love as students and teachers gather around God’s Word and grow as disciples of Jesus. Classes are available for all ages from 3 year old through adult.

First Communion

“Take. Eat. This is my Body.”

FIRST COMMUNION

On Sunday, November 26 we welcomed three children as they have joined us at the Lord's Table ... Emma Johnson ... Eliza Stout ... Jessica Toris.

New Members

One in Mission, One in Faith

Classes are held for those who are seeking to learn more about Christian faith and for those who are coming from other faith traditions. Contact the Church Office (419.734.5548) to find out about the next scheduled class.